TV shows push dance into popular-culture spotlight

Fans of the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” might just give a howl as loud as one of the judges, Mary Murphy, in anticipation of seeing their favorite dancers from season five.

Sharma Howard

Fans of the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” might just give a howl as loud as one of the judges, Mary Murphy, in anticipation of seeing their favorite dancers from season five.

The top 10 dancers of the show have embarked on a 40 city tour to show off their talents.

The TV show has just launched its sixth season, but the top 10 finalists of season five will be the ones in the spotlight, bringing back audience favorites voted for week after week.

Jeanine Mason, 18, won the title of America’s Favorite Dancer, and the Florida native took a few minutes out of a busy rehearsal schedule to speak about the upcoming tour, and her experiences on the show.

“I never went into win,” said Mason, who will be dancing her favorite routine, “If It Kills Me,” with Jason Glover.

“I never came in with a tactic or plan, I just wanted to be myself. It was so much fun, it was such a learning experience and such a growing experience — as a person as well as surrounded by people who loved to dance. It was easy for me to forget about the competition. I loved being there — that’s what helped me stay calm and level-headed and not get too nervous.”

The same love of being on the show propelled Ade Obayomi, 21, who is also a top 10 dancer.

“I didn’t even realize how much I loved dancing. I was just dancing for my life because I didn’t want to go home … America gets to know you and you push yourself more to stay in it longer … everyone knows your name, it’s worth the pain and struggle.”

Obayomi was initially paired with Melissa, a classically trained ballerina, and the pair will be bringing a very popular piece that portrays a woman’s struggle with breast cancer, choreographed by Tyce Diorio, set to Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work.”

“It was incredible,” Obayomi said of the dance that moved judges and audience members to tears. “We got such a huge response. We had e-mail messages, calls, it was overwhelming. I didn’t realize dance could have this affect on so many people.”

Deserved recognition

Bringing dance into the spotlight of popular culture once more, is one of the things Mason said is special about the show.

“The show itself has elevated dance so much. For us to be a part of it and be alumni of the show is an honor. As dancers we’ve always been behind the arts, not in the front line. People don’t understand how difficult and how beautiful dance can be. It’s finally getting what it deserves,” Mason said.

Another audience favorite that will be performed is a dance about addiction, choreographed by Mia Michaels and danced by Kupono Aweau and Kayla Radomski.

In the dance, Aweau is the drug which Radomski tries to break away from, at times interacting with him in longing, at others with anger, and despair.

“Every time I see it I get emotional,” Obayomi said. “It still gives me goosebumps.”

For information on the tour, visit fox.com/blogs/dance/2009/07/08/so-you-think-you-can-dance-tour-2009.